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TOP STORY - JANUARY 27, 2009
Elimination Of The California Department Of Boating And Waterways Opposed By The Board Of Supervisors |
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The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously agreed today to oppose Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s plan to eliminate the California Department of Boating and Waterways (DBW). The motion, authored by Supervisor Don Knabe, Chairman of the Board, also directs the County’s Chief Executive Office, in conjunction with the Sheriff’s and Fire Departments and the Department of Beaches and Harbors, to prepare a letter of opposition to be sent to the Governor.
Under the Governor’s government efficiency proposal, DBW would be merged into the California Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR). DBW, which is completely self-funded by the boating public’s resources, currently funds launch ramp construction, loans for marina construction, construction of boating safety centers, boating safety and law enforcement programs, abandoned vessel removal, public outreach programs, and even weed control in boating areas throughout the State. If the two Departments merge it will likely result in cuts and delays to current projects and programs for boaters, including the County projects and programs.
The County of Los Angeles directly benefits from many DPW programs: the Department of Beaches and Harbors benefits from grants and loans for dock construction; the County Lifeguards get funding for boats, as does the Sheriff for boats and safety programs. The County will need to find different funding, if such funding is even available, for these projects and programs.
“The Department of Boating and Waterways is critical to the future of boating in California, and any diversion of funds may result in the rapid deterioration of California’s boating waterways and infrastructure,” said Supervisor Knabe. “Additionally, diverting its resources to another State department, which has its own priorities, robs the very community that funds it. Boaters will still pay registration fees, but they won't be getting the full benefit of those fees as they have in the past.”
Useful Avalon Links
 City of Avalon
Rotary
Club of Avalon
Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce
Catalina
Island Museum
Catalina
Island Humane Society
Long Beach Unified School District
Avalon Library
Avalon Sheriff’s Station
Catalina Courthouse
Catalina Island Guide
Catalina Island Conservancy |
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Supervisor Knabe takes part in the dedication of the Trans Catalina Trail. The new 37.2-mile trail is a walking path that runs almost the entire length of Catalina Island. |
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Contact:
Connie Sziebl
Field
Deputy
1401
East Willow Street
Signal Hill, CA 90755
csziebl@lacbos.org
Tel: (562) 256-1920
Fax: (562) 490-0549 |
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Don Knabe. Working for AVALON. Avalon
Accomplishments |
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Funding Two Projects on Catalina Island
 The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors allocated nearly $1 million in funding that will benefit two projects underway on Catalina Island. The first project allocates $415,000 in Cities Excess Funds to the City of Avalon to continue the restoration of Joe Machado Field. The second project allocates $500,000 from Fourth District Capital Project funds to help the Santa Catalina Island Conservancy complete road improvements across portions of Catalina Island. |
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Increasing Funding for Transportation Services on Avalon
Supervisor Knabe worked with Metro, through its Transit Funding Allocations for Transportation Development Funds (TDA) and State Transportation Assistance (STA) program, to allocate a total of $250,000 to the City of Avalon through Sub-Regional Projects for Avalon Transit Services, Jitney & Dial-a-Ride Programs.
Speeding Up Catalina Island Fire Recovery
Supervisor Knabe called for County agencies to expedite permits needed to begin repairs to critical infrastructure that was damaged or destroyed during the wildfire on Catalina Island. The fire destroyed several miles of fencing, nearly 100 utility poles, and caused extensive damage to roads used to access the unincorporated interior of the Island. Additionally, the fire left significant ecologic damage to the island habitat that could lead to flooding, mudslides and erosion.
New Funding for Park Projects
Supervisor Knabe dedicated $1.7 million in Proposition A Park funds to be used for various projects across the Fourth District. In Avalon, a portion of the money will be used for the reconstruction of a restroom facility at Joe Machado Field with graffiti-prevention materials including ceramic tile and stainless steel partitions and fixtures. |
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Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation transfer control of Island Nature Center to the Catalina Island Conservancy.
Construction approved for Lifeguard/Paramedic Station.
Funded the Avalon Schools Booster Club which allows eight to ten children to be schooled at the Little Red School House at the Isthmus instead of traveling over one hour each way to Avalon.
Provided funds to Catalina Island Search and Rescue for a truck. |
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The
Catalina Island Medical Center received funds for
the hospital's renovation project.
Funded
the Avalon Schools Booster Club which allows eight
to ten children to be schooled at the Little Red
School House at the Isthmus instead of traveling
over one hour each way to Avalon
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Avalon
Fire Station designated a Safe Surrender Site.
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Additional
funding provided for affordable housing units.
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Opening
of Hinchman House which provides mental services to
children in several communities including Avalon.
Purchase
for new law enforcement vessel to exclusively serve
Catalina Island.
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